A series of roadshows for budding retailers is set to kick of tomorrow.

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) will hold three seminars across the Island aimed at assisting existing small vendors and those who want to break into the business.

Raymond Lambert, the BEDC economic development officer for St George’s, said: “Each year, we’ve done things a little differently. This year, we wanted to do more outreach to the ends of the Island.”

He added: “Being a vendor is a trial run, if you like — you get to interact with your customers and get feedback on your products.”

And Mr Lambert said: “One of the things that’s been a big trend in St George’s is that six or more bricks-and-mortar businesses who started out as vendors.

“It’s entrepreneurship as with any other vendor, but without all the hidden costs of running a full-time business. They can test their products and find out what people think of them.”

The St George’s event will feature talks from retail experts — including Kamilah Cannonier, who went from small-scale stall sales to owning her own Sweet Saak Bakery in the Olde Towne — and Quinell Francis of the Corporation of St George’s, who will outline future plans for the town’s street market.

Mr Lambert said that other tips will include how to display goods in an attractive way and also how to cater to the Island’s tourist trade.

He added: “We need to constantly look for new vendors — it’s a good problem and these seminars give people an idea of what it takes to set up and for those who are vendors already, it gives them more information.”

The seminar will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) at the World Heritage Centre at St George’s Penno’s Wharf, between 6pm and 8.30pm.

Mr Lambert said: “It’s not limited to people in the east end, but we are trying to involve vendors and people who were vendors in the east end.”

The event is free, but anyone who wants to go should register by calling 292-5570 or by e-mailing info@bedc.bm

Further road shows are planned for Hamilton and the west end of the Island.